Clippers vs Thunder Playoffs Gm. #1 Game Thread 2014-05-05

Clippers Vs. Thunder Game Preview
Buckle up, this is going to be fun.
A group of the most talented young players in the league today will convene for Game 1 in Oklahoma City on Monday night. The dean is Los Angeles Clippers All-Star point guard Chris Paul, who brings Lob City pals Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan into Loud City to face likely league MVP Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka.
These two teams split four games during the regular season, two way back in November and each won on the other's floor after the All-Star break.
On paper, both teams appear evenly....

Thunder players are young and long, It's going to be hard on us. Doc is going to have to out coach other coach for us to win. what was our regular season record against them?

pageC4

05/04/2014 - 07:14 PM PST

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Incredible series coming up. The biggest factor in this series may indeed come down to foul trouble. The Clippers would dart out to hot leads against the warriors throughout the course of their first round series only to see these leads dwindle due to foul truble to some of their players, Blake Griffin in particular. The positive about this potential matchup is that the regular season series has not been as emotional as the series against Golden State. These teams do not have the same amount of documented hate for each other, and hopefully the series is played clean and free of fouls.

The shooting prowess of Durant and Westbrook looks unstoppable at times, but the Clippers do boast one the leagues best 3 point defense, so the Thunder will not have as easy a time as some may predict. Also, both the Thunder and Clippers fought a grueling seven game series against lower seeds that held on for dear life. Hopefully, the Clippers can stick to the defensive fundamentals that Doc has been trying to instill.

pageC4

05/04/2014 - 07:16 PM PST

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2-2 with each team winning one game on the road, so on paper the series looks very close. Also, what I like about our first round matchup was that we faced a very hot from beyond the arc team, the Warriors. This should help our team be able to keep up with yet another hot shooting duo, Durant and Westbrook.

pageC4

05/04/2014 - 07:20 PM PST

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One thing I would hope that Doc does early is get the ancillary players involved. We have a huge advantage with Blakes passing ability. His ability to find Deandre Jordan may be one of the keys in overcoming a likely double team in this series. In my opinion Doc has to draw up many plays for Redick, Crawford, and Deandre. They should involve Blake driving to the rim but ending up with an assist to an open player. That way the Thunder pay for double teaming Blake.

Should be fun seeing Kevin Durant (regular season MVP) go up against Blake Griffin (Finals MVP)

ohMEohMy!

05/04/2014 - 07:56 PM PST

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If the Thunder are going to play Butler at the 2 spot, then JJ is going to run wild! If it's Sefalosha, then I think they place him on CP3, and JJ is going to have to make Westbrook work for it on D. I suspect we'll need great outside shooting to win this one.

CapsNClips

05/04/2014 - 08:13 PM PST

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Exactly. Hopefully they don't start Sefalosha.

Agent0

05/04/2014 - 08:26 PM PST

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The one thing I like about this matchup is that out SG's will no longer be targeted for mis-matches and posted up as Sefolosha isn't the type of player give those plays to.

Westbrook hasn't done anything super impressive against LAC since last season, okay, and 1/4 games this season, so I'm not worried about him. The more he shoots, the better for us. I think overall good to great defense on the team and not worrying too much about trying to off-set your defense to contain Durant will win us the series. Try to limit his FGA if you can, with those shots going to Westbrook, so play denial basketball. When he gets it, just play solid defense and take what happens.

In our season wins, Durant averaged 37.5 PPG and OKC lost both games by 8 pts. So technically Durant could average 35+ PPG and as long as we keep Westbrook inefficienct and contain enough of the other guys, we have a great chance of winning. We only need it in 3/4 games.

If you look at Westbrook's 11 games vs LAC since Paul has been here, he's shot 40% or lower in 7/11 games and attempted the same or more FG's as he's scored points in 4 of those games. He also turned the ball over 3 or more times in all those games. Another he had 18 FGA for 19 pts and another 20 FGA for 23 pts. The last one he was 3/14 FG but did a great job getting to the line and shot 13/15 FT to make up for it.

Almost all the good games he's had against the Clippers since Paul has been here came last season. Paul missed one of those games. The other one was this season in April. The first 3 games this season he wasn't really good. The Clippers are 5-5 vs OKC when Paul has played since he has been here.

The Thunder are 1-4 in those 11 games when Westbrook shoots under 40% FG. So this is sort of directing where out game plan should be, that is do what you can vs Durant, sometimes he still misses, but keep Westbrook inefficient. Don't let Durant also become a playmaker and get role players easy baskets. If the Clippers can do this, all they will need to do is play adequate offense.

Agent0

05/04/2014 - 08:29 PM PST

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I can't see them starting Butler again. Sefolosha makes too much sense on CP, but Westbrook has a similar characteristic to Harden in that he gets lost on defense, especially off ball. The difference is that even though he is out of position, he puts effort and uses his athletic ability to recover while Harden does matador reach defense or just watches.

So if Westbrook is on Redick, not only do I like the fact that you're making him expend extra energy, I like that it might mean Redick having some nice open looks because Russell gets caught ball watching or just flat out in the wrong position.

Interestingly enough, if I'm Brooks, since CP is on the ball more, I'd rather put Westbrook on him and have Thabo do the off ball stuff on defense.

I'm gonna be honest with everyone here, I'm a Clippers fan, LOVE THEM! But I think we lose the series, I don't know if we can do it, I see us winning as a long shot, OKC has the chance to go to the Finals IMO! BUT I WANT US TO FIGHT! If we can beat the Thunder, we can DEFINITELY get to the Finals. They're our measuring stick IMO. Cause they're really REALLY good.

run2dahgoal

05/04/2014 - 09:55 PM PST

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clippers gotta deal with "superstar calls" now. get ready.

and you thought the calls in the first round series were bad...

all I gotta say is this ref was so mad when the clippers were beating the thunder in Oklahoma he call an offensive foul with a few seconds left. I remember Jamal making a three and landing on his face. no foul call? the only reason a player ends up face down without a foul call is if he dives onto the floor for a loose ball (assuming the player doesn't hit anyone else on the way down).

puddnhead83

05/04/2014 - 09:58 PM PST

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I'm gonna be honest also, that if the Clippers can win the series against OKC they will make it to the western conference finals.

Call me crazy all you want.

renshaibob

05/04/2014 - 09:58 PM PST

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i think if we play Granger at SF some with BG at the same time you could get Durant in some pick&rolls with Durant switching to BG and get him in foul trouble

Agreed. The Spurs are looking very beatable, and our defense is real good at stopping the 3, which is a huge component of the Blazers game. This is however, a huge test

bk201

05/04/2014 - 11:53 PM PST

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The best way to defeat the thunder is to OUTSCORE them..Timberwolves style..lol

ClipsGForce

05/04/2014 - 11:58 PM PST

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I don't know if I'm ready for this. I'm still emotionally exhausted from game 7.

kjavis

05/05/2014 - 12:14 AM PST

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fantastic series, easily the best out of the 2nd rounders, will be nice to catch OKC off guard and steal the first game, LEGO CLIPS!

slestack11

05/05/2014 - 12:50 AM PST

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I'm not worried about Mr Unreliable or Russell Westbrick. Hopefully the Clippers can jump on OKC early and take one in Oklahoma City on Monday.

JQuick32

05/05/2014 - 01:01 AM PST

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Really? For me, I'm waaaaay more relaxed for this series than for last series. It's so much easier when nobody's picking us and we're playing with house money.

Clipperfn4lf

05/05/2014 - 01:09 AM PST

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That's the mindset that got us swept by the Spurs 2 years ago!! We haven't won a 2nd round game since 2006.

JQuick32

05/05/2014 - 01:14 AM PST

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The Spurs are a well-oiled machine and we just weren't ready that year. We also had one of the worst coaches ever.

I like our chances now waaaay more than I liked our chances then.

slestack11

05/05/2014 - 01:18 AM PST

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I think the difference in this series is going to be Deandre Jordan. Surprisingly, Deandre Jordan has stepped up his game more than anyone on the team in round 1. He was the one that was most affected by Sterling's comments because he was missing in action for game 4, but for all of our victories, he played a major role. I really think he's playing better every week this season and he is the best he's ever been right now. If Deandre cleans up the glass, then it will open things up for all sorts of opportunities for the Clippers.

ohMEohMy!

05/05/2014 - 01:21 AM PST

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would be nice for Granger and/or Big Baby to show up in this series. I have hope..

run2dahgoal

05/05/2014 - 03:05 AM PST

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also the clippers were playing through injuries (that were given to them by the grizzlies nevertheless). the clips did blow out the spurs once this season (so they could look back on that game and have no doubts that they can not only win, but win big). And of course hack a DJ will be in full effect; that (freethrows) should be one of the top two things DJ should work on should the clippers go to the conference finals (if we can get past the "superstar calls" and silly technical fouls when clipper players have a legitimate complaint.

When I'm talking about "superstar calls" I am referring to Lebron and Durant, aka the NBA's "Poster Children" /sarcasm.

click on the first vid and you'll see what I'm talking about (pretty hilarious but for the most part he is right). I don't have 90 posts so I can't post the youtube link. It says miami heat but now this applies to two people on the thunder.

relevant

05/05/2014 - 03:11 AM PST

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This will be a close one for sure. Yes Westbrook is more athletic, faster, and is talented, but I'm giving this one to CP3. He has a higher IQ, he'll use that to his advantage, be that general on the floor when things are chaotic, and won't get as emotional as Westbrook. He will also get underneath the opponents skin and force mistakes. (even if he's injured). Durant.....well no one can stop Durant except for Durant. All the Clips can do is pester him with Barnes and Granger. theres 32 points that cannot be stopped. BG against Ibaka, this will be interesting. Ibaka honestly will push BG to his limits and defend the rim like it's no ones business. If Blake turns it up another notch then OKC will be in trouble. If he doesn't defend Ibaka well enough and he hits his jumpers then LAC will be in trouble. DJ vs Perkins. If DJ carries over what he brought in the Warriors game then OKC has there hands full. 14 boards and 4 blocks DJ is going to be the clips rim protector. No easy buckets for either sides. This battle goes to DJ. Younger more athletic and more dependable than Perkins. Containing the Clips SG might be a problem for OKC. Redick and Crawford are going to be nightmares for OKC when they get going. Butler will be a problem too if he gets hot. Tough juice is still tough juice and cannot be taken lightly. This series is up in the air, but if I had to choose it'd be the Clips in 6. All games going down the wire. Also I give our coach the advantage.

ClipperPostman

05/05/2014 - 03:29 AM PST

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Aside from Game 7 Westbrook has really looked bad as

a PG.

He doesn't get others involved, and was taking

horrible shots vs Memphis.

He was chucking up a lot of junk in those

games. Especially in the 4th qtr.

run2dahgoal

05/05/2014 - 03:51 AM PST

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remember that game against where he was 3 for 22?! what I would not give for him to do this for the series... In my opinion he isn't a true point guard. The decisions he makes sometimes man...

ClipperKyle32

05/05/2014 - 06:44 AM PST

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Big Baby could not play in the last series. It was too fast for him. If this was Memphis or San Antonio I wouldn't mind it , but OKc runs as well. I like our....

He sometimes doesn't make the best decisions and can be bull headed, but for all the bad, the good way more than makes up for it. It's funny you say he's looked bad as a PG except for game 7, when in the whole series he's averaging 25 points, 8 assists and 9.7 rebounds. He's had two triple doubles in 7 games. if his shot isn't falling, he makes up for it with rebounds and/or assists. He doesn't always distribute as well as a Chris Paul, but he can do thinks a Chris Paul will never be able to do, so I say that his 8.0 assist per game average so far this series shows his willingness to defer. Either way it'll be another fantastic series. Clippers play more the Thunder style of run and gun ball, so it'll be fun for us too!

BaadMaster

05/05/2014 - 08:51 AM PST

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We are going to have to be better by 11 points because the hometown/KD referees will give the Thunder a gift of at least ten points. Advantage: OKC.

But Blake is coming home to OKC -- so he will play like a man possessed. Advantage: Clippers.

Looks like a tossup. All Clips have to do is win one at OKC. That is VERY do-able.

FightOnRon

05/05/2014 - 09:30 AM PST

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Jeez I wish we had another day off, I am still coming down from arguably one of the best games I have ever been to.

IMHO We match up well with these guys as our records show. I am probably hallucinating (Not for the first time either) but seems as though we have a better outcome against them when they are at full strength. For some reason Westbrook plays a lot like KoBRick as far as wanting the ball all the time but that seems to handcuff the rest of their team. He seems to get in their way. I really like our chances, but I see 6 or 7 games out of this one too. If I gambled,barring the "I" word, I could see Clips in 6 or 7.

wessleejr

05/05/2014 - 09:41 AM PST

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I want Westbrook to play because he is not a thinking player, he likes to score and rely too much on his size and speed, and CP3 is a thinking pg he does use more of his IQ, and skill, I'm just afraid the Ref to give us a lot of foul in, I wish Bledsoe is still with us.

jarca

05/05/2014 - 10:47 AM PST

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Clippers need to play Westbrook just like the spurs played Lebron. Go under the screen and force him to shoot outside shots

sz123456

05/05/2014 - 10:52 AM PST

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I know exactly how you feel. Been going to games for decades, and I've never attended such an emotional, satisfying victory as that Game 7. I'm good for a while, I don't even know if I'm gonna catch tonight's game.

FightOnRon

05/05/2014 - 10:57 AM PST

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Tha's what I mean,they seem worse when at full strength and by that I mean Westbrook playing. As long as he stays healthy we can do this deal.

FightOnRon

05/05/2014 - 11:00 AM PST

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There was a game once a long time ago against the Phoenix Suns and I recall we were still at the Sports Arena. Game went into double or triple overtime and that one was justt exhausting with all the energy we fans expelled. Same thing for Sat's game. I am just wiped form being there. If I had to be there tonight I would need three or four 5 hour energy drinks backed by a Redbull.

Icecoldclipper

05/05/2014 - 11:11 AM PST

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Think Doc should experiment with different SFs to see who gives us the best look on Durant. Reggie and Dudley should get a chance if Barnes and Granger greatly struggle. Going bigger this series wouldn't be bad either on the perimeter.

These guys are more aggressive attackers than splash bros so Barnes and Granger should be looked at against the Jackson-Westbrook-Durant line up

ClipperPostman

05/05/2014 - 11:29 AM PST

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Don't be fooled by those stats.

IF you watched the game he has been chucking crazy shots. His PPG is due to volume scoring not

efficiency.

He is shooting 38% FG and 23% 3pt. Again he is averaging 40mpg with 3 overtime games. Which is

why his assist numbers are at 8 per game. Take out OT and they are more like 5-6 per game.

His rebounding has been monstrous no doubt. But he has been chucking way to many crazy shots

and hogging the ball. Again don't be fooled by 8 assists per game when half of them are just passing

the ball to Durant for a bucket, and its on 40mpg and 3 OT games.

ClipperPostman

05/05/2014 - 11:33 AM PST

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Wow that's a bold prediction considering the next round IS the WCF. lol..

cleepers

05/05/2014 - 11:43 AM PST

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Number one priority is to secure our defensive rebounds. If we can keep FGA's & FTA's relatively even, this series is a toss-up. Give them multiple attempts per possession and we're done.

jarca

05/05/2014 - 11:46 AM PST

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Another bold prediction, if we win 12 games we'll be NBA champion

jarca

05/05/2014 - 11:47 AM PST

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I guess there's no more fan viewing party since the sponsored commerce casino pulled out as our sponsor

True, Westbrook is no stranger to shot chucking and that usually happens when his shot isn't falling. But when it's just him and Durant who typically chuck shots, that's the way it goes. For whatever reason, Westbrook's style has fit the thunder pretty well over the years, has it not? I concede he can be bullheaded and make dumb moves but all the good he does more than makes up for it. Yes okay fair point about his minutes inflating his assists per game stat. Bringing it down to per 36 instead of per 40, his assists go down to 7.2, which is still more than his career average which means he's playing (by average) at his typical career level numbers. So this is pretty much what to expect of Westbrook who is constantly an all star and a few times the #1 all pro pg. Now, if the guy was chucking and shoooting 30% while at the same time not banging on the boards or passing the ball, then we have a problem.